I am quite the advocate of having a good network. While it certainly helps to post your resume online and actively seek out positions that fit your skills, my network of contacts has been a big help throughout my job search.
I know that many people may feel uncomfortable reaching out and asking people that you may not have talked to for quite some time for help, well I'll tell you what--you need to get over that feeling. Put yourself in their shoes, if you were in a position to help someone looking for a job, you'd do it right? Of course you would. After all, we all know what its like to be a job seeker.
Reach out to those people in your network that are currently working and ask them for a meeting just to pick their brains. Think of it as a learning opportunity. Bring copies of your resume and before you leave ask them if they know of anyone else you can contact. Before you know it your networking contacts are growing. Plus the person you just met with might know of the perfect job for you (hence the bringing of your resume)
Once you land a job, keep in touch with your networking contacts. Send them an email to thank them for all of their help throughout your job search, send emails just to say hello and update them on how you are doing, and if you send holiday cards, send them too!
